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UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 


THE  COLLECTION  OF 
NORTH  CAROLINIANA 


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UNIVERSITY  OF  N.C.  AT  CHAPEL  HILL 


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http://www.archive.org/details/addressdeliveredOOgast 


m.^m^^''^w^^^  ^2>i>' 


i?\"n?>Tr;!),'^r^> 


Delivered bcfor(^  the  Philanthro])ic  ami  Dialectic  Societies  at  Chapel-Hill, 
outhe  20th  of  June,  iSo2. 


^Gentlemen  of  the  Dtaleclic  and  rhUaHtlinipic  Sociclies: 

Wiicii  i  look  ai-iKiUu  oii  tlus  extraoi'diiiary  concourse 
of  visitors,  I  Ciuniot  but  feci  that  expectation  has  been  too  highly 
excited,  and  cannot  but  antiripute  fintl  regret  the  disappointment 
which  it  must  necessarily  meet  with.  A.viirc  of  the  value  which 
is  here  set  upon  the  ceremony  of  the  annual  address  :  knowing 
that  the  friends  of  tiic  University  througiiout  the  State,  regaril  it 
as  calculated  not  only  to  excite  a  spirit  of  emulation  among  the 
Students,  but  to  attract  the  public  attention  to  the  Institution  it- 
self; and  wai-mly  attached  to  that  noble  cause,  for  the  advance- 
ment of  w liicli.  these  edlUccs  h.vvc  been  erected  and  your  associa- 
tions formed,  I  felt  myself  bound  to  accept  of  the  invitation,  in 
obedience  to  which  1  appear  before  you.  Could  1  indeed  have 
foreseen  the  usiusuu!  engagements,  which  added  to  the  ordinary 
occupations  of  a  busy  life,  have  left  luc  no  leisure  to  prepare  any 
thing  wortliy  of  tSie  general  expectation.  I  should  have  deemed 
myself  at  liberty  to  decline  tite  ciil!.  But  tJiC  slbxovery  wus  not 
made  until  after  my  ^^ord  was  [)iedged.  anil  it  was  too  late  to  hope 
that  the  duty  could  be  devolved  on  another.  Compelled  then  to 
choose  between  an  entire  disappointment  of  your  hopes,  ami  the 
presenting  myselftoyou  withouttiie  advantages  of  full  prep:u'ation, 
I  have  resolved  to  execute  the  unricrtaking  imperfectly,  rattier  than 
forego  it  altogetlier.  To  whatever  petty  mortilications  the  adop- 
tion of  this  alternative  may  expose  me  elsewliere.  from  you.  my 
young  friends,  I  am  sure  of  a  favourable  reception.  You  will  see 
in  it  an  expression  of  the  sense  which  J  entertain  of  the  honor 
conferred  on  me,  by  your  clioice,  of  my  readiness  to  gratify  your 
wishes,  and  of  my  svdicitude  to  cheer  you  on  in  the  noble  career 
upon  w  hich  you  iiave  entered.  The  few  homely  truths  which  I  wish 
to  impress  ujmn  your  minds,  will  not  indeed  come  mended  from 
my  tongue,  but  I  do  not  des[5air  that,  presented  in  their  naked 
plainness,  but  urged  with  the  earnestness  and  sincerity  of  friendship, 
they  may  win  their  way  to  your  generous  and  affectionate  appro- 
bation. 

The  authority  (jf  Sh.u;es;>eaic  is  often  invoked  for  the  position, 
that  "  there  is  a  tide  in  the  affairs  of  men,  w  hiv^^ii  taken  at  the 
flood  leads  on  to  fortune."     Without  venturing  to  deny  altogether 

^  1 

I  ' 


2 

the  fitness  of  this  incliiphor,  an!]  fally  admitting  it  to  have  ciiougii 
of  trutli  to  tender  it  appropriate  to  the  occasioii  for  whicli  it  was 
used,  and  the  character  to  whom  the  great  ])oet  assigned  it,  I  j'^et 
regard  it  as  too  favourable  to  that  indolence  of  disposition  Avhich 
is  alwrijs  ready  to  imagine  success  in  life  as  depending  on  some 
Ibi'tunate  tide.  I  hold,  that,  generally,  every  man  is  the  architect 
of  his  own  fortune,  the  •iutljor  of  his  own  greatness  or  insignifi- 
cance, h:\p])iness  or  misery-  True  it  is,  that  casualties,  neither 
to  be  foreseen  nor  i)reverited.  m.iy  defeat  schemes  which  have  been 
wisely  concerted  and  vigoi'ously  prosecuted  ;  and  that  success, 
undeserved,  and  perhaps  unsought  for.  may  sometimes  befal  the 
weak  and  slothful.  These  ho\sever,  are  but  occasional  deviations 
from  the  ordinni'y  course  of  nature,  according  to  which  man's 
energies,  wisely  or  foolishly  directed,  and  diligently  or  carelessly 
exerted  are  made  to  detcnaine  his  character  and  condition  in  so- 
ciety. Tiie  stoutest  ship  that  w;is  ever  mainied  with  j)rudent 
heads,  brave  hearts,  and  strong  hands,  has  foundered  in  a  hurri- 
cane, while  the  feeble  bark  that  "  owns  no  mastery  in  floating,"  is 
sometimes  safely  wafted  into  port ;  yet,  wdio  can  deny  that  ordi- 
narily the  fate  of  the  voyage  must  depend  on  the  skill,  care  and 
courage  with  whicli  it  is  conducted. 

Much  too,  very  much,  either  ibr  permanent  good  or  ill  in  the 
fate  of  every  individual,  has  been  found  to  follow  almost  necessa- 
rily from  the  habits  formed,  the  j)ropensities  cherished  or  restrained, 
and  the  rules  of  conduct  adopted  at  a  very  early  period  of  life. 
We  miglit,  perhaps,  be  tempted  to  regret  tbat  su(  h  important  and 
often  awful  consecpiences  should  follow  on  the  doings  of  an  age, 
Aviien  the  unwoi-n  senses  arc  alive  to  every  impression,  and  the 
keen  ap])etite  greedy  for  every  enjoyment ;  when  the  imagination 
is  wild,  the  judgment  feeblci,  and  "heedless  rambling  impulse" 
lias  scarcely  learned  to  think.  Yet  sucli  is  the  constitution  of 
nature,  and  such  consequently  the  appointment  of  Him,  whose 
ways  are  always  wise,  benevolent  and  just,  and  whose  will  it  were 
not  more  madness  to  resist,  than  it  is  impiety  to  question.  Look 
through  the  world,  and  tiie  least  observant  cannot  fail  to  discover 
talents  ai}used,  opportunities  Sfjuandei'ed,  and  meri  ruined,  because 
of  early  folly,  misbehaviour  ov  thoughtlesswess  ;  and  let  those  who 
have  jjLissed  through  life's  ordeal  with  safety  and  honor,  lookback 
on  their  trials,  and  they  will  acknowledge  liow  much  they  owe  to 
very  early  impressions,  and  to  habits  contracted  almost  witlioiit  a 
sense  of  their  use  or  a  foixsight  of  their  consequences.  He  there- 
fore who  aspires  to  excellence  cannot  too  soon  j)ioj)ose  to  himself 
the  objects  which  he  shoiiM  strive  to  obtain,  nr.r  iix  his  aim  too 
early,  or  too  steadily,  on  the  end  to  which  his  efforts  sliould  be  di- 
lected.     I'he  shortness  of  life,  the  large  fragments  of  it  which  are 


necessarily  occupied  by  animal  ^vants,  or  wasted  in  frivolous  cares 
and  annisoinents.  leave,  at  l>est.  but  an  inconsideralile  poi-tion  to 
be  devoted  to  intellectual  cultivation  and  exertion  I'o  ^'astethis 
portion  would  be  criminal  improvidence,  and  it  is  of  tlie  iilgliest 
moment  to  leai'u  betimes  bow  it  may  be  most  besiencially  apjjlicd. 
The  end  wbicb  an  ingenuous  youtli  naturally  pro])oses  to  himself 
is,  a  faithful  and  bonoraide  discjiarge  of  tlic  duties  of  life.  His  ob- 
jects are  to  realize  the  fond  hopes  of  bis  parents  and  friends  to  ac- 
quire tlie  affection  and  esteem  of  those  around  liim,  to  become  the 
dispenser  of  good  to  bis  fellow-tncn,  and  thus  to  fulfil  tlie  pur])oscs 
for  '.vlifch  it  has  pleased  God  to  i>Iace  bim  in  this  v.orld  of  Trial  and 
discipline.  He  feels  that  these  objects  are  indeed  good.  By  a  mo- 
ral instiact.  be  is  propelled  tovcards  th'.^ni  as  fit  to  fill  his  heart, 
kindle  bis  aspirations  and  animate  bis  exertions.  Reason,  as  she 
gradually  unfolds  her  povrers  and  assumes  dominion  ovei'  liim, 
sanctions  this  choice  v/ith  her  approbation  :  and  Religion  com.es 
in  aid  of  Nature  and  Reason,  to  teacb  him  that  talents  are  bat  lent 
to  be  im])roved,  and  that  an  account  must  be  oiie  day  renciere'!,  in 
which  tlieir  use  or  neglect  will  be  ami)iy  rewarded  or  sc\  erely  ptni- 
isbed.  How  much  is  it  not  to  be  lamented,  that  siotli  sbouhi  ener- 
vate, dissipation  corrujit,  or  vice  brutalize,  this  child  of  bojse  and 
promise?  You,  who  iiave  bisn  in  clnirge,  watch  over  birn  V'.ith  ne- 
ver sleeping  vigilance  and  aifectiouiite  solicitude.  Give  him  a  hap- 
py start,  sustain  him  when  disposed  to  ilag,  reanimate  him  wlien 
discouraged,  check  kindly  bis  wanderings,  soothe  bis  wounded 
feelings,  guide  bim  witb  your  counsels,  and  save  bim  from  tlie  foes 
by  which  he  is  waylaid  and  beset, 

Macte  nova  virtutc  pi/er  sic  ilnr  ad  aslra. 

!Most  faithfully,  no  doubt,  are  tiiese  duties  performed  by  the  able 
and  excellent  men  who  are  heje  charged  with  the  oillcc  of  instruc- 
tion. Little  can  be  done  in  aid  of  their  efforts,  but  to  exboi't  and 
entreat  all  placed  under  their  care  to  attend  to  their  admonitions, 
ti'casure  up  their  counsels,  and  obey  their  injunctior.s.  Yet  there 
are  some  errors  which  were  prevalent  when  I  was  a  boy,  which  I 
have  reason  to  believe  still  j)revail  in  public  schools,  and  which  may 
pei'haps  be  better  handled  by  an  old  friend  than  an  ackno\\Iedged 
instructor — and  to  these,  therefore,  I  would  for  a  few  moments  re- 
quest the  favorable  attention  of  the  younger  portion  of  my  heai-ers. 

V^igorous, diligent,  and  persevering  aj)plication  is  essential  to  the 
attainment  of  excellence  in  every  pursuit  of  man.  It  is  und*>ubt- 
odly  a  mistake  to  suppose,  that  tliere  is  no  original  inequality  in  the 
mental  faculties  of  difiei-ent  individuals.  Probably,  there  is  as 
great  a  disparity  in  their  intellectual,  as  in  their  j)bysical  confor- 
mation.    But  however  false  this  extravagant  theory  may  be,  there 


is  aiiotliei"  ovvov  f^v  more  common,  and,  prartlcally,  far  more  mis- 
chievous— the  eri-or  of  exaffjre:  ;.-li!!2;  tlie  difference  between  tlieori- 
gnial  energies  of  irftellect,  aiul  of  attributing  to  splendid  and  re- 
sistless genius  those  victories,  which  are  not  to  be  acliieved  butby 
Avell  directed  and  continued  industry.  It  is  in  the  infancy  of  life, 
that  the  inequalities  of  original  t.ilent  are  most  striking,  and  it  is 
not  strange  that  vanity  m  the  one  hnnd,  and  indolent  admiration 
on  the  other,  should  hyperbolically  extol  these  obvious  advantages. 
In  what  this  disjiarit}'  consists,  it  may  not  be  easy  to  state  with 
precision.  But  from  Jui  ohser\ation  of  many  years  I  ventui-e  to 
suggest,  that  the  chie!"  natural  superiority  manifested  by  the  favor- 
ed few  o\er  their  competit'^rs  in  the  ititellectual  conflict,  is  to  be 
fou.nd  in  the  facility  witfi  wliicl!  their  attention  is  directed  and  coii- 
iined  to  its  ])roper  subjects.  Tliat  youtli  may  be  i-egarded  as  for- 
tunate indeed-  wiioin  eia-ly  life  can  restrain  his  wandering  thoughts 
and  tie  down  his  mind  at  will,  to  the  contemplation  of  whatevei*  he 
wishes  to  comprehend  and  to  make  liis  own.  A  few  moments  of 
tiiis  concentrated  ar'[)Hcation,  is  wort's  days  and  weeks  of  a  vague, 
intei'rn])ted.  scattered  attention.  The  first  resentbles  the  well 
known  manoeuvre  in  Sti-ategy,  so  simple  in  its  conce]>tion  and  yet 
so  astonishing  in  its  i-esults,  by  whicli  all  the  arms- of  a  military 
force  are  nnulc  to  bear  upon  a  given  point  at  the  same  moment. 
Every  thing  here  tells,  because  there  is  no  power  wasted,  and  none 
misapplied.  Now^  let  no  one  despair,  because  he  finds  this  effort 
to  confine  his  attention  difiicult,  or  for  a  considerable  length  of 
-time.,  im])racticable.  Noth'mg  ismorecei'tain,  than  that  this  ])ow- 
er  over  tlic  mind  may  be  acfjuired.  Let  the  attempt  be  repeated 
again  and  again — first  for  short  aftei'wards,  as  the  ability  is  in- 
creased, for  longer  periods,  and  success  will  ultimately  follow. — 
The  habit  of  fixed  attention  will  thus  be  created,  and  it  is  one  of 
the  peculiarities  of  all  active  habits,  that  in  ])roj)ortion  to  the  diffi- 
culty with  which  they  were  produced,  is  their  inveteracy,  when 
once  thoroughly  formed.  Thus  it  not  unfrequently  hap])ens,  that 
the  advant;iges  with  w  hich  the  individual  commenced  his  cai'eer, 
who  was  natui-ally  alert  ;;nd  devoted  in  his  attention  to  every  sub- 
ject as  it  was  successively  ])rescnted  to  his  notice,  have  not  ena- 
bled him  to  contend  successfully  with  him,  who  by  hard  efforts 
lias  chained  down  his  wandering  thoughts  and  dissipateil  faculties 
to  the  habit  of  attention. 

Among  the  best  results  which  attend  a  course  of  regu- 
lar academical  education,  is  this  exclusive  and  concentr  ited 
direction  of  the  mental  powers  to  their  appropriate  objects. 
In  the  years  employer!  principally  in  the  study  of  the  learn- 
ed langu:5ges.  the  necessity  of  finding  'Uit  the  mea'  ing  'A'  e;«ch 
word,    and    discerning   either   the   agreement  between  different 


w  s,  or  the  dependance  of  some  of  them  iij)on  others  in  certain 
grp.nim  tiral  relations,  neressjirilv  shirpens  and  fixes  the  atten- 
tion. After  this  |)reparatoi'y  (!isci];line  (»f  the  intellert,  the  Stu- 
dent is  introduced  to  the  study  of  mathematical  science,  where  pro- 
position leads  on  to  ]>rOj)ositior(  in  lec^ular  order*  and  Ins  atteut'soii 
is  necessarily  ench;iined  to  eac!i  ti'iitli.  as  it  follows  w  ith  logical 
certainty,  from  truths  previously  demonstrated.  He  is  then  initia- 
ted into  the  mysterious  laws  of  Natui-ul  Philosophy,  as  they  h.ive 
been  discovered,  expl'iined  and  illustrated,  by  a  course  of  rigorous 
iiiduction.  and  is  ultimately  familiarized  Avith  the  yet  nobler  and 
more  sublime  investigations  of  moral  science,  the  refinements  of 
tr.ste.  the  beauties  of  eloquence,  and  the  charms  of  heavenly  poesy. 
And  this  admirable  training  is  coiulucted  remote  from  the  bustle 
and  cares  of  the  world,  in  the  very  hush  of  the  passions,  and  be- 
yond the  I'cach  of  beguiling  aiu!  distracring  ]deasures.  Here  sure- 
ly then  the  understajr.ling  is  flisciplincd,  its  discrimination  ren- 
dered more  acute  its  generiil  health  and  vigor  confirmed,  while 
a  facility  is  created  for  directijig  its  powers  to  the  various  manly 
and  trying  services,  which  may  await  it  in  life's  busy  theatre. — 
But  not  unfrequently  is  the  qnestion  asked  by  querulous  Students, 
why  ;11  this  (levoted  attention  to  the  dead  languages,  to  mathema- 
tical theorems,  philosophical  experiinents,  metaphysical  disquisi- 
tions and  critical  subtleties  ?  In  the  world,  no  one  talks  Greek 
or  Latin,  and  at  the  forum,  or  in  the  Legislative  hall,  we  shall  not 
be  called  upon  to  demonstrate  the  propositions  of  Euclid,  or  ex- 
plain the  phenomena  of  hydrostatics  and  optics.  The  motives  of 
luiman  action  are  better  learned  in  that  great  practical  school,  the 
world,  than  by  poring  over  the  theories  of  metaphysicians  ;  and 
all  the  rules  of  Quinclillian.  Rollin  or  Blair,  will  nesermakea 
powerful  reasoner  or  an  eloquent  orator.  Why,  then,  shall  we  con- 
sume our  nights  and  days  in  the  acquisition  of  that  which  is  to  be 
of  no  practical  utility  bereaftei",  and  v.  hich  brings  with  it  no  im- 
mediate advantage,  except  the  gratification  of  pride,  a  short-lived 
honor,  a  distinction  at  Comniencement  ?  Beware,  my  young 
friends,  beware  of  the  tempter.  These  are  the  suggestions  of 
Sloth — the  most  insidious,  persuasive  and  dangerous  of  deceivers. 

"  Vitnnda  est  improba  syren  Deshlia.''^ 
If  you  cannot  close  your  ears  ngainst  her  insinuations,  strengthen 
your  understandings  to  trium])h  over  hei*  suphisms,  and  nerve  your 
courage  to  resist  her  w  iles.  Be  sure,  if  you  submit  to  her  benumb- 
ing influence,  and  waste  yom-  days  here  in  idleness,  the  time  will 
come,  when  w  ith  bitter,  but  perhaps  unavailing  anguish,  you  shall 
bemoan  your  folly.  Remember,  that  it  is  not  designed  by  an  aca- 
demic al  education  to  teach  you  all  that  it  behooves  you  to  learn — 
Bducation  is  not  completed  within  these  walls;     When  yon  shall 


(> 

Jaave  quittcl  this  pearttul  retrent,  aiid  selcrted  the  proicf^sion  or 
state  in  iiCe  iji  which  y  )ii  are  to  iic  enajaged.  then  you  should  a])|>1y 
all  your  efforts  to  tiie  acquisition  of  that  species  of  knowledge 
which  is  more  especially  rieedcil.  Here  arc  inculca'ted  those  ele- 
inentary  princi])les  of  science  ansi  literature,  wliich  experience  has 
shewn  to  be  best  fitted  to  form  tlic  founi-hition  nf  the  character  of 
the  scholar  and  gentleman — those  rudiments  of  instruction,  which, 
omitted  hei'e.  ;  re  rarely  indeed  arquirei!  ai'tcrwards.  Here  are  to 
be  fornted  those  habits  of  vigorous  and  continuous  ap])}ication — 
here,  the  c;ij)acities  for  improvement  are  to  be  cultivated  and 
v<5treugthened,  so  that  every  occasion  :ind  every  employment  v.ith- 
out  these  walls  may  become  subsidiary  to  further  advancement  in 
knowledge,  ability,  and  usefuinesss-  It  is  a  miserable  fallacy  to 
mistake  the  exception  for  the  rule.  True  it  is,  that  those  who  have 
won  the  highest  honours  at  College,  do  not  always  realize  the 
hopes  which  these  glorious  beginnings  hnve  excited.  "  The  fair 
bloom  of  fairest  fruit"  may  be  !)lasted  by  pestilent  dews.  Fol- 
ly vanity  and  vice,  low  pui'suits  and  vulgar  associations,  indo- 
lence, intemperance,  and  debauchery  but  too  often  debase  and  de- 
stroy the  generous  youth,  who  entered  on  lilc's  career,  ricii  in  aca- 
demical distinctions,  docile,  jirdeht  for  fame,  patient  of  labour,  of 
manly  purpose  and  noblest  promise.  Mourn  ovci*  these  moral 
wrecks.  Lament  the  instability  of  all  earthly  good,  the  frail  cha- 
racter of  all  human  excellence.  Weep  for  those  who  have  fallen 
from  their  high  estate,  but  say  not  it  was  folly  i)j  them  thus  to  have 
risen.  True  it  is  also,  t!rat  it  sometimes,  though  very  rarely  hap- 
pens, that  those  who  have  been  idle  during  their  academical  course, 
have,  by  extraordinary  exertions,  retrieved  their  eaily  neglect,  and 
in  the  end  outsti'ipped  othei'S  wlio  started  in  the  race  far  ahead. 
These  are  the  exception.s — they  furnish  cause  to  humble  arro- 
gance, check  presuinption.  banish  despair,  and  encourage  refor- 
mation. But  so  surely  as  a  virtuous  life  usually  precedes  a  happy 
death,  so  surely  it  will  be  found,  that  within  the  College  precincts 
is  laid  the  groundwork  of  that  pre-eminence  afterward  acquired 
in  the  strife  of  men,  and  that  College  distiiK  tions  are  not  only 
good  testimony  of  the  fidelity  with  whicli  College  duties  have  been 
performed,  but  the  best  presages  and  pledges  of  excellence  on  a 
more  elevated  and  extensive  field  of  actioti.  In  defiance,  there- 
fore, of  all  the  lures  of  pleasure,  and  seductive  suggestions  of  sloth, 
let  active  persevering  industry  be  the  habit  of  your  lives.  Form 
this  habit  here,  and  cherish  and  preserve  it  ever  afterwards. 

But  however  earnestly  you  are  thus  exhorted  to  diligence,  let  it 
not  be  forgotten,  that  diligence  itself  is  but  a  subordinate  quality, 
and  derives  its  chief  value  from  the  end  to  which  it  is  directed,  and 
t^e  motives  by  which  it  is  impelled.     It  is  diligence  in  a  go6d 


cause  onlytliat  is  commcndahle.  The  first  great  maxim  of  liumaii 
conduct,  iiiat  Wiiich  it  is  aH-Jinpoi'titittu  mipi-ess  o;i  tiie  UM\'oi';-ita!id- 
ings  of  young  men,  an;!  {'ecommcnd  to  tiieii*  hearty  adoption, \is  ibove 
all  tliiiigs,  in  all  cii'cunvs'uinces,  and  under*  every  eniei-ge;}ry,  to 
preserve  a  clean  lieai't  and  an  isonest  purj)ose.  Integritv,  firm, 
deterinined  integi-ity,  is  that  quality,  whicii  of  all  others,  riiises 
man  to  the  iiighest  dignity  of  his  natui-e,  and  hts  iiim  to  adorn  and 
bless  the  sphere  in  Vi  liich  he  is  api)t)inted  to  move.  Without  it^ 
neither  genius  nor  le.irning,  neither  the  gifts  of  God,  nor*  Imniaii 
cxerticms,  can  avail  aught  for  the  acc(MTiplisliment  of  the  great 
objects  of  human  existence.  Ir.tegrity  is  the  ci'owning  virtue — 
integrity  is  the  pervading  j)ri!Knpic  which  ougiit  to  regulate,  guide, 
control,  and  vivily,  every  impulse  {iesire  and  action.  Honesty  is 
sometimes  spoken  of  as  a  vulgar  virtue  ;  and  perluips  that  honesty, 
which  uarely  refrains  from  outraging  the  positive  rules  ordained 
by  society  for  tlse  protccii.jsi  of  property,  and  wiiich  ordinarily 
pays  its  debts  and  performs  its  engagements,  however  useful  and 
commendable  a  quality,  is  5iot  to  be  nuiiibered  among  the  highest 
efforts  of  human  virtue.  But  that  integi-ity  which,  however  tempt- 
ing tiic  o])j)ortiinity,  or  however  secure  against  detection,  no  sel- 
fishness uoi"  rcseutinent,  u;)  lust  of  power,  place,  favour,  profit  or 
pleasure,  C:in  cause  to  swerve  from  tlse  strict  rule  of  riglit,  is  the 
perfection  of  man's  inoril  nature.  In  t!iis  sense,  the  poet  was  right, 
Yvhcn  he  pronounced  "an  honest  man  the  noblest  work  of  God.'* 
it  is  al?nost  inconceivable  wiiat  an  erect  and  independent  spirit 
this  high  endowment  communicates  to  the  man,  and  what  a  moral 
intrepidity  asid  vivifying  energy  it  imparts  to  his  character. 
Thei-c  is  a  family  alliance  between  all  the  virtues,  and  perfect  in- 
tegrity is  al'svays  followed  by  a  train  of  goodly  qualities,  frankness, 
benevolence,  humanity,  patriotism,  promptness  to  act.  and  patience, 
to  endure.  In  moments  of  public  need,  tiiese  indicate  the  man  who 
is  worthy  of  universal  coiifidence.  Erected  on  such  a  basis,  and 
built  up  of  such  materials,  fame  is  enduring.  Such  is  the  fame  of 
our  V/'AsuiXGrox,  of  the  m m  •' inSexiblc  to  ill  and  obstinately 
Just."  While,  therefore,  other  monuments,  intended  to  perpetuate 
human  greatness,  ai'e  tiaily  mouldering  into  dust,  and  belie  the 
proud  inscriptions  which  t\i':y  bear,  the  solid  granite  pyramid  of 
his  glory  lasts  from  age  to  age.  impei-ishable,  seen  afar  off,  loom- 
ing iiigli  over  tiie  vast  desert,  a  mark,  a  sign,  and  a  wonder,  for 
tlie  way-farers  tlirough  this  pilgrimage  of  life. 

A  nice  sense  of  integrity  caa.iot,  therefore,  be  too  early  cherished, 
or  too  sedulously  cullivated.  In  the  vei-y  dav.^nings  of  life  cca- 
sions  are  presented  for  its  exercise.  Witiiin  these  walls,  tempta- 
tions every  day  occur,  where  temporary  advantage  solicits  a  de- 
viation from  the  rule  of  right.     In  tlie  discharge  of  the  various 


8 

duties  which  you  owe  to  your  compauious,  let  no  petty  selfislincss 
be  iiidulgjd,  no  tirtiiices  practised,  by  which  you  are  to  escape 
from  your  fair  share  of  hiboiu-  in(;oiivenieu(  e  or  contribution,  or 
any  one  deprived  of  the  fill!  siieasure  of  whatever  he  may  right- 
fully claim.  Cultivate  (singleness  of  purpose  and  frankness  of  de- 
meanor, and  hold  in  oiitempt  whatever  is  sordid,  disingenuous, 
cunning,  or  mean.  But  it  is  when  tiiese  peaceful  shades  shall  iiave 
been  left  behind,  and  the  fitful  course  of  busy  life  begun,  tliat  se- 
ductions will  be  presented  under  every  form  by  which  inexperience, 
infirmity  of  purpose,  and  ficility  of  disposition,  can  be  Maylaid. 
Then  is  the  crisis  of  the  young  man's  fate — tiienis  the  time  to  take 
his  stand,  to  seize  his  vantage  ground.  If  he  can  tiien  defy  the  allure- 
ments of  cupidity  sensuality  and  ambition,  the  laugh  of  fools,  the 
arts  of  pai-asites,  and  the  contagion  of  improbity  :  then  indeed, 
may  he  hope, 

"  In  sig-ht  of  mortal  and  immortal  powers, 

"  As  in  a  boundless  theati'c  to  i-un 

"  The  great  career  of  justice — 

"  And  through  the  mists  of  passion  and  of  sense, 

*'  And  through  the  tossing  tide  of  chance  and  pain 

"  To  hold  his  course  unfaultering." 

You,  my  young  friends,  wiio  are  standing  at  the  threshold,  and 
waiting  with  eager  impatience  the  signal  for  entrance  upon  life, 
must  not  think  that  I  mean  to  alarm  you  with  idle  fears,  because 
I  thus  warn  you  of  the  approaching  conflict.  The  enraged  bull 
may  close  his  eyes  before  he  rushes  upon  his  foe,  but  i-ationai 
courage  calmly  surveys  danger,  arid  then  deliberately  jjrepares 
and  determines  to  encounter  it.  Apprized  of  your  peril,  and 
armed  for  the  encounter,  enter  on  your  course  with  resolved  hearts. 
and  fear  not  for  the  issue. 

So  sweet  are  the  notes  of  human  praise,  and  so  abhorrent  the 
tones  of  reproach,  that  it  is  among  the  highest  eflforts  of  magnanimity 
to  pursue  the  straight  forward  course  of  duty  without  being  turned 
aside  by  commeiulation  or  reproof,  by  flattery  or  calumny. 
Whatever  be  our  journey  througii  life,  like  the  princes  in  the  East- 
ern tale  ascending  the  mountain  in  search  of  the  wondrous  bird, 
we  are  sure  to  hear  ?a'ound  us  the  confused  sounds  of  blandishment 
and  solicitation,  of  menace  and  insult,  until  with  many  of  us,  the 
giddy  head  is  turned,  and  we  are  converted  into  monuments  of 
warning  to  those  who  are  to  follow  us  in  life's  adventure.  Rare 
indeed  is  that  moral  courage,  which,  like  the  prudent  Parisade. 
closes  its  ears  against  the  impression  of  tiicsc  sounds,  and  casts 
not  an  eye  behind  until  its  desti>ie  I  course  be  accomplished.  Rare, 
however,  as  may  be  this  excellence,  and  in  its  perfection  perhaps 


9 

unattainable,  there  can  be  no  true  dignity  and  derision  of  charac- 
ter without  a  near  approach  to  it.  Let  youth  he  ever  modest,  evet 
delereutiMl  to  the  counsels,  thes'.jggestions  and  the  claims  of  otiiers. 
But  in  matters  of  right  and  wrong,  whr.tever  be  tiie  lures,  the 
taunts,  orthe  usages  of  the  world,  or  whatever  the  supposed  incon- 
veniences of  singulai-ity.  let  judgment  and  conscience  always  rule 
with  absolute  sway.  Carry  this  maxim  with  you  through  life, 
whatever  be  the  station  you  are  to  occupy,  or  the  business  you  are 
to  pu)-sue  ;  and  carry  with  it  another  kindi-ed  maxim,  rely  for 
success  in  your  undertakings,  not  on  the  patronage  of  others,  but 
on  your  own  capacity,  resolution,  diligence,  and  exertions.  Rise 
by  merit,  or  rise  not  at  all.  Suited  as  these  injunctions  are  believ- 
ed to  be  to  ail,  they  are  peculiarly  addressed  to  those  among  you, 
who,  panting  for  renown,  are  resolved  to  enter  upon  a  public  ca- 
reer, and  long  "  to  read  their  history  in  a  nation's  eyes." 

'*  How  wretched,"  exclaims  the  Poet  of  Nature,  "  is  that  poor 
man  who  hangs  on  Princes'  favours."  Miserable  is  the  condition 
of  every  being  who  hangs  on  the  favours  of  creatures  like  hiiu'^elf. 
Deserve,  and  strive  by  desert  to  v.in.  the  esteem  of  j'our  fellov, -men. 
Thus  acquired,  it  decorates  him  who  obtains,  and  blesses  tir^se 
who  bestow  it.  To  tbem  it  is  returned  in  faithful  service,  and 
to  him  it  comes  in  aid  of  tlie  approbation  of  conscience  to  auMnate 
diligence  an<l  reward  exertion.  Those  too.  who  engage  in  pu'>lic 
service,  are  bound  to  cherish  a  hearty  sympathy  with  the  wjuts, 
feelings,  comforts  And  wis'ies  of  the  people,  whose  welfare  is  com- 
mitte.i  to  their  cliarge  It  is  essential  for  the  preservatMni  of  tiiat 
conlidence  wliich  ought  to  subsist  between  the  principal  and  the 
agent,  the  constituent  and  the  representative,  that  all  haughtiness 
and  reserve  should  be  banished  from  their  intercourse.  It  some- 
times happens,  that  he  who  lias  lived  too  constantly  among  hooks, 
manifests  a  disgust  in  an  association  with  tlie  uneducated  and  un- 
retined,  which  mortifies  ajul  repels  them.  This  is  absurd  in  him, 
and  unjust  to  tiiem.  It  is  absurd,  for  he  ought  to  know,  and  know^ 
well,  those  for  wiiom,  &m\  upon  whom,  he  expects  to  act — they 
constitute,  in  fact,  one  of  the  first  and  most  appropriate  objects  of 
his  study  ;  and  it  is  unjust,  for  not  unfrefjuently  under  this  rough- 
ness which  shocks  the  man  of  books,  is  to  be  found  a  stock  of  prac- 
tical information,  in  which  he  is  miserably  deficient.  Biiuish, 
then,  ail  superciliousness,  for  it  is  criminal  and  ridiculous.  Hon- 
estly ;-:eek  to  serve  your  country,  for  it  is  glorious  to  advance  the 
good  of  your  fellow-men,  anti  thus,  us  far  as  feeble  mortals  nt,\y, 
act  up  to  the  great  example  of  Him  to  whose  im.ge  and  likeru^ss 
you  3  re  made.  Seek  also,  by  all  honest  rts.  to  win  their  ro-fi- 
dence,  but  beware  how  you  ever  prefer  their  favour  to  tiieir  s -r- 
Yiee.     The  high  road  ef  service  is  indeed  laborious,  exposed  to  the 

."2 


10 

r^in  and  sun,  the  lieat  and  dust ;  \^  liile  the  by-patli  of  favour  lias, 
apparently  at  first,  much  the  same  dirertion.  and  is  bordered  with 
dowers  and  sheltered  by  trees,  ''  cooled  with  fountains  and  mur- 
muring with  water-falls."  No  vvontlcr,  then,  that  like  the  sou  oi 
Abensina,  in  Johnson's  beautifsil  Apologue,  the  young  adventurer 
is  tempted  to  try  the  happy  experiment  of  "  uniting  pleasure  with 
busijiess,  and  gainijig  the  rewards  of  diligence  without  suffering 
its  fatigues."  But  once  entered  ujjon,  the  path  of  favour,  though 
Touiid  to  (!ecline  more  and  more  from  its  first  direction,  is  pursued 
through  all  its  deviations,  till  at  length  even  the  thought  of  return 
to  the  road  of  service  is  utterly  abaiuhmed.  To  court tlie  fondness 
of  tlie  people,  is  found  or  su|)i)Osed  to  be,  easier  than  to  merit  their 
appr;)bation.  Meanly  ambitious  of  public  trust, without  the  virtues 
to  deserve  it ;  intent  on  persomil  distinction,  and  having  forgotten 
the  ends  for  which  alone  it  is  worth  possessing,  the  miserable  being 
concentered  all  in  self  learns  to  pander  to  every  vulgar  prejudice, 
to  advocate  every  popular  error,  to  chime  in  with  every  dominant 
party,  to  fawn,  flatter  and  deceive,  and  becomes  a  demagogue. 
How  wretched  is  that  poor  being  who  hangs  on  the  people's  favour! 
All  manliness  of  j)rinciple  bus  been  lost  in  this  long  course  of 
meanness  ;  he  dare  not  use  his  temporary  popularity  for  any  pur- 
poses of  public  good,  in  which  there  may  be  u  hazard  of  forfeiting 
it;  and  the  very  eminence  to  which  he  is  exalted,  renders  but 
more  conspicuous  his  servility  and  degradation.  However  clear  the 
Convictionsof  his  judgment,  however  sti'ong  the  adiiionitions  of  his, 
as  yet,  not  thoroughly  stifled  conscioice,  nut  these,  not  the  law  of 
God,  nor  the  rule  of  riglit,  nor  the  public  good — but  the  caprice  of 
his  constituents,  must  be  his  only  guide.  Having  risen  by  artifice, 
and  conscious  of  no  worth  to  support  him,  he  is  in  hourly  dread  of 
being  supplanted  in  the  favour  of  the  deluded  multitude  by  some 
more  cunning  deceiver.  And  such,  sooner  or  later,  is  sure  to  be 
his  fate.  At  some  unlucky  moment,  when  he  bears  his  blushing 
honours  thick  upon  him.  (and  well  may  sucli  honours  blush!)  he  is 
jirked  from  his  elevation  by  some  more  dexterous  (temagogiic.  and 
falls  unpitied,  never  to  rise  again.  Andean  this  be  the  lot  of  him  who 
Jkis  been  here  trained  to  admire  and  love  high-minded  excellence — 
who  has  been  taught  by  high  classical  authority  to  regard  with  the 
same  fearless  and  immovable  indiffei-ence.  the  stern  countenance  of 
the  tyrant  and  the  wicked  ardour  of  the  multitude,  juid  who  has  learn- 
ed from  a  yet  higher  and  holier  authority,  to  hold  fast  on  *'  whatso- 
ever things  are  true,  whatsoever  things  are  honest,  whatsoever 
things  are  just,  whatsoever  things  are  pure,  to  abhor  tliat  which 
is  evil  and  cleave  to  that  which  is  good  ?"  Believe  me,  however, 
this  is  no  fancy  picture.  The  original  may  be  found  in  the  woi'ld 
every  day.     Nor  will  it  sui^prize  those  who  have  had  occasion  to 


11 

sec  liow  the  vain  heart  is  swoln,  and  the  giddy  head  turned,  how 
honesty  of  purpose  and  manliness  of  spirit,  are  perverted  hy  popu- 
lar npplausc.  It  is  but  tlie  first  step  that  costs.  Once  yield  to 
the  suggestion,  that  a  little  deceit  or  prevarication,  a  slight  sacri- 
fice of  principle  and  independence,  a  compromise  of  conscience  in 
matters  not  absolutely  fundamental,  may  be  excused,  when  the 
immediate  gain  is  obvious  and  the  end  in  view  important,  and 
the  downward  patli  becomes  every  day  more  and  more  smooth, 
until,  in  its  descent,  it  reach  the  \ery  abyss  of  vulgar,  trading, 
intriguing,  electioneering,  office-hunting  politicians.  If  in  this 
lowest  depth  a  lower  deep  can  be  found,  none  of  us,  I  am  sure, 
have  the  curiosity  to  explore  it. 

But  is  Integrity  sure  to  meet  here  its  merited  reward  ?  Unques- 
tionably not.  If  it  Mere,  and  the  fact  generally  known,  there 
Mould  scarcely  be  room  for  choice,  and  men  would  be  honest  from 
the  want  of  a  plausible  temptation  to  be  otherwise-  But  it  is  not 
too  nuich  to  say,  that,  in  general.  Integrity  has  a  tendency  to  pro- 
mote the  interest  of  him  who  pursues  it,  and  it  is  therefore  lecom- 
mended  to  our  adoption  by  ])rudence,  not  less  than  by  principle. 
Success  in  the  acquisition  of  any  extrinsic  object  is  necessai'ily 
uncertain,  since  it  depends  on  contingencies  which  cannot  be  fore- 
seen, and  which,  if  foreseen,  are  frequently  beyond  our  power.  It 
is  not  in  mortals  to  command  success.  No  talent,  no  courage,  no 
industry,  and  no  address,  can  be  certain  to  eifect  it.  But  when 
it  is  attempted  cunning  by  disingenuous  means,  it  is  usually  ren- 
dered more  difficult  of  attainment,  because  of  the  complexity  of  the 
scheme,  and  the  risk  of  detection  and  counteraction.  Honesty,  in 
the  long  run,  is  therefore  the  surer  policy.  It  is  impossible  to 
thrive  w  ithout  the  reputation  of  it,  and  it  is  far  easier  to  be  honest 
indeed,  than  to  cheat  the  world  into  the  belief  of  integrity  where 
it  is  not.  The  crooked  stratagems,  the  arts,  toils,  concealments 
and  self-denials,  which  are  necessary  to  carry  on  a  successful 
imposition,  are  far  more  onerous  and  painful,  than  all  the  duties 
Avhich  a  life  of  probity  enjoins  ;  while  the  consciousness  of  an  up- 
right deportment,  diffuses  through  the  whole  man  that  security 
and  serenity,  wliich  infinitely  outweigh  all  the  advantages  of  suct 
cessful  cunning.  Nor  in  recommending  a  spirit  of  Independence, 
is  it  intended  to  proscribe  the  acceptance  of  friendly  aid,  freely 
tendered,  and  won  by  no  mean  solicitation.  Children  of  the  same 
common  family,  we  are  bound  to  help  each  other  in  the  trials  and 
difficulties  of  our  common  pilgrimage,  nor  should  we  ever  be  too 
proud  to  receive  from  others  that  assistance,  which  it  is  oui*  duty 
to  render  to  them.  Now  such  aid  is  not  only  more  likely  to  be  be- 
stowed, but  comes  with  far  greater  effect,  when  there  has  been  a 
manly  and  snstained  effort  to  do  without  it.     The  spindling  plant 


12 

wliich  has  always  been  supported  by  a  prop,  is  not  only  unable  to 
st'.nd  alone,  but  can  scarcely  be  sustained  by  props  wljoi  the  sea- 
son of  fruit  arrives  ;  whereas,  the  slightest  assistance  then  be- 
stowed on  the  hardy  tree,  that  self  sustained  has  always  braved 
the  breefte,  will  enable  it  to  bear  up  under  the  heaviest  and  rich- 
est burtiien.  He  who  trusts  to  others,  must  necessarily  be  often 
disappointed,  and  the  habit  of  dependence  creates  a  helplessness 
which  is  almost  incapable  of  exertion.  Fancy  dwells  on  expected 
aid,  until  it  mistakes  its  own  creations  f<)r  realities,  and  the  child 
of  illusion  wastes  life  in  miserable  day-dreams,  unable  to  act  for 
himself,  and  confidently  relying  on  assistance  which  he  is  destined 
never  to  receive. 

Deeply  rooted  principles  of  probity,  confirmed  habits  of  indus- 
try, and  a  determination  to  rely  on  one's  own  exertions  constitute 
then  the  great  preparation  for  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  man, 
and  the  best  security  for  performing  them  with  honor  to  one's  self 
and  benefit  to  others.  But  it  may  be  asked,  what  is  there  in  such 
a  life  of  never  ending  toil,  effort,  and  privation,  to  recommend  it  to 
the  acceptance  of  the  young  and  the  gay  ?  Those  who  aspire  to 
heroic  renown,  may  indeed  make  up  their  minds  to  embrace  these 
"  hard  doctrines  ;"  but  it  ni:,y  be  well  questioned,  whether  happi- 
ness is  not  preferable  to  greatness,  and  enjoyment  more  desirable 
than  distinction.  Let  others,  if  they  will,  toil  up  "'  the  steep  where 
Fame's  proud  temple  shines  afar,"  we  choose  rather  to  sport  in 
luxurious  eas^  and  careless  glee  in  the  valley  below.  It  is,  in- 
deed, on  tiiose  who  aspire  to  eminence,  that  these  injunctions  are 
intended  to  be  pressed  with  the  greatest  emphasis,  not  only  because 
a  failure  in  them  would  be  nwre  disastrous  than  in  others,  but  be- 
cause they  are  exposed  to  greater  and  more  numerous  dangers  of 
error.  But  it  is  a  sad  mistake  to  suppose  that  they  are  not  suited 
to  all,  and  are  not  earnestly  urged  upon  all,  however  humble  their 
pretensions  or  moderate  their  views.  Happiness  as  well  as  great- 
ness enjoyment  as  well  as  renown,  have  no  friends  so  sure  as  In- 
tegrity, Diligence,  and  Independence.  We  are  not  placed  here  to 
waste  our  days  in  wanton  riot  or  inglorious  ease,  with  appetites 
perpetually  gratified  and  never  palled,  exempted  from  all  care  and 
solicitude,  with  life  ever  fresh,  and  Joys  ever  new.  He  who  h^s 
fitted  us  for  our  condition,  and  assigned  to  us  its  appropriate  du- 
ties, has  not  left  his  work  unfinished,  and  omitted  to  pr6vide  a 
penalty  for  the  neglect  of  our  obligations.  Labour  is  not  more 
the  duty,  than  the  blessing  of  man.  Without  it,  there  is  neither 
mental  nor  physical  vigour,  health,  cheerfulness,  nor  animation  , 
neither  the  eagerness  of  hope,  nor  the  capacity  to  enjoy.  Every 
hum  n  being  must  liave  some  object  to  eng:  ge  his  attention,  excite 
his  wishes,  and  rouse  him  to  action,  or  he  sinks,  a  prey  to  listless- 


13 

uess.  For  want  of  jiropcr  occupations,  sec  stremions  ifllenoss  re- 
sorting to  a  tlionsand  expedients — the  race-couiso.  the  hrt.'ic  or 
the  ga"niing-table»  the  frivolities  of  fashion,  the  dehpsemer.ts  of  sen- 
suality, ti^c  petty  coiitejitions  of  envy,  tlie  grovellirg  pursuits  "f 
avarice,  and  all  the  various  districting  agitations  of  vice.  C;.ll 
you  these  enjoyments  ?  Is  si-.ch  the  happiness  which  it  is  so  dread- 
ful to  forego  ? 

'*  Vast  happiness  enjoy  thy  f^ay  allies  ! 
•'  A  youth  of  follies,  an  old  age  of  cares, 

"  Young-  yet  enervate,  old  yet  never  wise  ; 

"  Vice  wastes  then-  vigor  and  their  mind  impairs. 

"  Vain,  idle,  dissolute,  in  thoughtless  ease, 

"  lleserving  woes  for  age,  their  prime  tliey  spend  ; 

•'  All  wretched,  hopeless  to  the  evil  days, 

"  With  sorrow  to  the  verge  of  life  they  tend  ; 

"  Grieved  with  the  present,  of  the  past  ashamed  ; 

"  They  live  and  are  despised,  they  die,  no  more  are  named." 
If  to  every  bounty  of  Providence  there  be  aniiexed,  as  assisrcdly 
there  is.  some  obligation  as  a  condition  for  its  enjoyment :  on  us, 
blest  as  we  have  beeji,  ai^l  as  we  now  are,  with  the  choicest  gifts  of 
Heaven  here  below — witli  freedom,  peace,  order,  civilizatioji  and 
social  virtue — then  are  uncjuestianably  imposed  weighty  obliga- 
tions. You  v.'hom  I  now  address,  will,  in  a  few  years,  he  am!>ng 
the  men  of  the  succeeding  age-  In  a  cormtry  like  ours,  where  the 
public  will  is  Viholly  uniettered.  and  every  man  is  a  component 
part  of  that  countiT,  there  is  no  individual  so  humble  Mho  has  not 
duties  ot  a  public  kind  to  (iischarge.  His  \  iews  and  actions  have 
an  influence  on  those  of  others,  and  his  opinions,  with  theirs,  serve 
to  make  up  that  public  will.  ?(Iorc  especially  is  this  the  case  v.  ith 
those  who,  whatever  may  be  tueii'  jiursuits  in  life,  liave  been  raised 
by  education  to  a  comparative  supei-iority  in  intellectual  vigor  and 
attainments.  On  you,  and  such  as  you,  depends  the  fate  of  tiie 
most  precious  heritage  ever  v»on  by  the  valor,  or  preserved  by  the 
prudence,  or  consecrated  by  tiic  virtue  of  an  illustrious  ancestry — 
illustrious,  not  because  of  factitious  titles,  but  nature's  nobles, 
wise,  good,  generous  juul  brave!  To  you.  and  such  as  you.  will 
be  confided  in  de[>osit,  the  inslitutions  of  our  renowned  and  beloved 
©ountry.  Receive  them  with  tiwe,  cherish  them  with  loyalty,  and 
transmit  them  whole,  and  if  possible,  improved  to  your  children. 
Yours  will,  indeed,  be  no  sinecui'e  oilicc.  As  the  public  will  is  the 
operative  sprijig  of  all  ])nbl!c  action,  it  will  be  your  duty  to  make 
and  to  keep  the  public  w  ill  enllglitened.  Tliere  will  al  ways  be  some 
error  to  dispel,  some  jjreiutHce  to  correct,  some  illusion  to  guard 
against,  some  imposition  to  delect  and  ex])ose.  In  aid  of  these  in- 
<iividual  efforts,  you  must  provide,  by  public  institutions,  for  dif- 


14 

filising  amoHg  tlic  ]?ropk-.  tlial:  general  inform atiou  witiioat  wliich 
they  '^aiin  it  be  prDtert:^;!  i'vnm  thr  aiachinatioiis  of  (loccivers.  As  your 
country  grows  in  ycd's.  yon  must  also  cause  it  to  grow  in  science, 
literature,  arts  and  refinenicnt-  It  will  l«e  for  you  to  develope 
and  niulijtoly  its  resonrccs.  to  check  tiie  faults  of  manners  as  they 
rise.  an<j^i)  advance  thecauseof  industry,  temperance,  moderation, 
justice,  morals  and  religion,  all  around  you.  On  you  too,  will  de- 
volve the  duty  which  has  been  too  I'^ng  neglected,  hut  which  can- 
Tiot  with  impunity  he  neglected  much  longer,  of  providing  for  the 
mitigation,  and  (is  it  too  much  to  hope  for  in  North-Carolinai)  for 
the  ultimate  extirpation  of  the  worst  evil  that  afilicts  the  Southern 
part  of  our  Confederacy.  Full  well  do  you  know  to  what  1  refer, 
for  on  this  suhject  there  is,  with  all  of  us.  a  moi'hid  sensitiveness 
which  gives  warning  even  of  an  approach  to  it.  Disguise  the  truth 
as  we  may,  and  throw  tlie  hlame  where  we  will,  it  is  Slavery 
which,  more  than  any  other  cause,  keeps  us  hack  in  the  career  of 
impj'ovement.  It  stifles  intlustry  and  represses  enterprize — it  is 
iiital  to  ecc  .amy  and  providence — it  discourDges  skill — impairs  our 
strength  as  a  community,  and  poisons  morals  at  the  fountain  head. 
How  this  evil  is  to  be  encountered,  how  subdued,  is  indeed  a  difH- 
cult  and  delicate  enquiry,  whi(  h  this  is  not  the  time  to  examine, 
nor  the  occasion  to  discuss.  I  felt,  however,  that  I  could  not  dis- 
charge my  duty,  without  referring  to  this  S!jhject,  as  03ie  v.hich 
ought  to  engage  the  prudence  moderation  and  firmness  of  those 
who,  sooner  or  later,  must  act  decisively  upon  it. 

I  would  not  de})ress  your  buoyant  spirits  M'ith  gloomy  anticipa- 
tions, hut  I  should  be  w  anting  in  frankness,  if  I  did  not  state  my 
©onviction  that  you  will  be  called  to  the  performance  of  other  duties 
unusually  grave  and  important.  jPerils  surround  you  and  are  im- 
minent, which  will  require  clear  heads,  pui'e  intentions,  and  stout 
hearts,  to  discern  and  to  overcome.  There  is  no  side  on  which 
danger  may  not  make  its  approach,  but  from  the  wickedness  and 
madness  of  factions,  it  is  most  menacing.  Time  was,  indeed, 
when  factions  contended  amongst  us  with  virulence  and  fury  ;  but 
they  were,  or  aflfected  to  be,  at  issue  on  questions  of  principle:  noAV, 
Americans  band  together  under  the  names  of  men,  and  wear  the 
livery,  and  put  on  the  badges  of  their  leaders.  Then,  the  indivi- 
duals of  the  different  parties  were  found  side  by  side,  dispersed 
thi'oughout  the  various  districts  of  our  confederated  Republic;  but 
now,  the  parties  tliat  distract  the  land,  are  almost  identified  with 
our  geographical  distinctions  Now  then  has  come  that  period, 
foreseen  and  dreaded  by  our  Washixgto?^,  by  him  '•  who,  more 
than  any  other  individual,  founded  this  our  wide-spreading  Em- 
pire, an-l  gave  to  our  western  world  independence  and  freedom" — 
by  Mm,  who  with  a  father's  warning-voice,  bade  us  beware  of 


15 

*/  parties  founded  on  geographical  (liscrimlnations."  As  yet,  tke 
seutimcnt  so  deeply  plantcil  in  the  hci.rts  of  our  honest  yeomanry, 
that  union  is  strcjigtlu  has  not  been  uprooted.  As  yet,  they  ac- 
knowledge the  ti-utii.  and  feel  the  forre  of  the  homely,  luit  exreilent 
aphorism,  ••  United  we  stand,  divided  we  fall."  As  yet,  .they  tnke 
pride  in  the  aame  of  -  the  LFiiitc  !  St.it.vs"— in  tlie  recollection  oi"  the 
liehis  that  were  won,  the  blood  which  was  poured  forth,  an  i  the 
glory  which  was  gained  in  the  common  aw.hQ,  and  under  the  com- 
mon'banner  of  i  united  country.  May  God,  in  his  mercy,  forbid 
that  I,  or  you,  my  frien.ds,  should  live  to  see  the  day.  when  thes© 
sentiments  asid  fre'iings  sluiH  be  extinct '  Wlsenever  that  <iay  comes, 
then  is  the  hour  at  hand,  when  this  glorious  Republic,  this  at  once 
national  and  confederated  Republic,  wiiich  for  nearly  half  a  cen- 
tury has  presented  to  the  eyes,  tiic  hopes,  and  the  gratitude  of  man, 
a  more  brilliant  and  lovely  image  than  Phito.or  More,or  Harrington, 
ever  feigaed  or  fancied,  shall  belike  a  tale  that  is  told,  like  a  vision 
that  hath  passed  away.  Butthesc  sentiments  and  feelings  are  neces- 
sarily weakeued,  and  in  the  end  must  be  destroyed,  unie'' '  the  mode- 
rate, the  good  and  the  w  ise  unite  to  "frown  iiidignantly  upon  the  first 
dawnings  of  every  attempt  to  alienate  any  portion  of  our  coui-try 
from  the  rest,  or  to  enfeeble  the  sacred  ties  which  now  link  together 
its  various  parts."  Threats  of  resistance,  secession,  separation — 
have  become  common  as  houseiiold  wonls.  in  tlie  wicked  and  silly 
violence  of  public  dcciaimors.  The  public  ear  is  familiarized,  and 
the  pul)lic  mind  will  soon  be  accustomed,  to  the  detestable  sugges- 
tion of  Distniox!  C;ilculalions  and  conjectures,  what  may  the 
East  do  witiiout  the  South,  and  wh;tt  may  the  South  do  without 
tlie  East,  sneorf!,  menaces,  reproaches,  and  recriminations,  all 
tend  to  the  same  fatal  end!  V?  hat  can  the  East  do  without  the 
South?  What  can  the  Soiith  do  without  the  East?  They  may  do 
much  ',  they  may  exhibit  to  the  curiosity  of  political  anatomists, 
and  the  pity  and  wonder  of  the  world,  the  ••  disjecta  niembru.^'  th© 
sundered  ijleedinc;  limbs  of  a  once  aiarantic  bodv  instinct  with  life 
and  strength,  and  vigor.  They  cim  furnish  to  tiie philosophic  his- 
torian, another  melancholy  and  striking  instance  of  tlie  political 
axiom,  that  ail  Republican  confederacies  have  an  inherent  and  un.a- 
voidrible  tendency  to  liissoiution.  They  will  present  fields  and 
ofc.isions  ibr  border  v*ai*s.  fo!"  leagues  and  counter-leagues,  for  the 
intrigues  of  petty  statesuien,  the  struggle ;  of  military  chiefs,  for 
coiiftscations,  insurrections,  and  deeds  of  darkest  hue.  They  will 
gladden  the  liearts  of  tliose  who  have  proclaimed,  tii.tmen  are  not 
lit  to  govern  themselves,  and  shed  a  uisastrous  eclipse  on  the  hopes 
of  ratio)ial  free  iom  throughout  the  world.  Solon,  in  his  Code, 
proposed  no  punisiuuent  ibr  parricide,  treating  it  as  an  impossible 
crime.     Such,  with  us,  ought  to  be  the  crime  of  political  parricide 


16 

— the  dismemberment  of  our  "  fiithci -land."  '^Cari  sunt  par  entes^  a 
sutil  lih"ri.  propinqiii,  fomi/iares,  sed  omnes  omnium  carikites  patrla  u 
comjih  f'l  e.i'  ,•  pro  qua  quvi  buaus  dubiUl  mortem  oppetere  ai  ei  ailprofai 
rvs  ?  Quo  est  detaiabiiior  istoriun  immaniias  qui  lacerurunt  scelere  }. 
triuni,  cfin  eu fundi t us  delenla  occupati  et  sunt  etfuerunt.^^ 

If  iL  Aittst  be  so,  let  parties  and  party  iiiru  continue  to  quarrel  wi 
little  oi'rio  reg;iid  to  tlie  public  good.  Tuey  may  my?tify  tUemselv 
and  other?,  with  disputatious  oii  poluicai  economy,  proving  ihe  uu 
opposite  doctriiies  to  their  own  sati-i;i  tion,  and  perhaps,  to  the  co 
vjction  of  no  one  else  on  earth.  rhey  may  deserve  reprobation 
thesr  selfishness,  tiieir  viol'.'nce,  Lhe.r  errors,  or  iheir  wickedri 
They  may  do  our  country  mucii  hum.  Fhey  may  reurd  its  gruwt 
destroy  its  haimony,  impair  us  character,  reader  its  institutions  u 
stable,  pervert  the  public  miufi,  and  deprave  (he  public  morals.  The 
are,  indeed,  evds,  a. id  sore  evils,  but  tlie  principle  i<f  life  rema;i) 
and  will  yet  struggle  wiiii  assure*!  Micce>s,  over  these  temporary  ui 
ladies.  Still  we  are  great,  gioriou?,  united  and  free;  siih  we  havt 
name  that  is  levereii  abrf»ad  and  lovrd  at  iutne — a  name  whicii  is 
tower  of  strengtii  to  us  aguiist  foreign  wrong,  and  a  bond  oi  inien 
union  and  utrmony — a  ;iame,  wincii  no  ent- my  pronounces  but  wi 
respect,  and  which  no  citizen  hear-.,  but  wito  a  throb  of  exuitatio 
Still  we  have  that  blessed  ConstitUiion,  which,  .with  all  its  preteml 
defects,  and  all  its  allf>ii'd  violalio  s,  iuis  conferred  more  benefii  i 
man,  than  ever  yvt  flowed  from  a.iy  other  liuaian  institution — wh: 
has  esuib'isheil  justice,  uisuieii  uouiestic  tranquillity,  provided  tor  t 
commo'  defence,  prooioted  the  general  weliare,  and  which,  und 
God,  if  we  be  true  to  ourseivcs,  will  insure  the  blessings  ot  Liber 
to  us  and  our  posterity. 

Surely,  Siuch  a  Country,  and  such  a  Cousliiution,  have  claims  upi 
you,  my  fi lends,  which  cannot  b  ■ -ii^iegartled.  I  entreat  and  adju 
you  then,  by  all  that  is  near  and  dear  to  you  on  eariti — by  all  the  o 
li;;ations  of  Patriotisio — by  tlie  memory  of  your  laiiiers,  who  tell  \u  tl 
great  ai>d  glorious  struggle — tor  tlie  sake  of  your  sons  whom  you  wou 
not  have  to  blu-h  for  youi  degeu  racy — oy  all  your  proud  recollectio; 
of  the  past,  and  A\  your  fom!  antic  pations  oi  tiie  future  reuown 
our  nation — pf  eserve  :nat  Couoiry,  upiiold  ;hat  Cunscitation.  tlesolv 
th,.t  thi-y  shall  not  be  lo.,t  vhne  in  your  keeping,  and  may  God  A 
mighty  strengthen  you  to  fulfil  that  vow! 


